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| STEP 7 | |
|---|---|
| Name | STEP 7 |
| Developer | Siemens |
| Released | 1995 |
| Latest release | TIA Portal/STEP 7 V16 (2021) |
| Programming language | C, C++ |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| License | Proprietary |
STEP 7 is a programmable logic controller engineering software suite developed by Siemens for configuring, programming, and maintaining SIMATIC S7 series controllers. It integrates with industrial automation hardware and supports a range of PLC families, enabling automation engineers to design control logic, network topologies, and diagnostics across manufacturing, energy, and process sectors. The environment connects with field devices, operator panels, and supervisory systems from vendors such as ABB, Rockwell Automation, and Schneider Electric through standardized protocols.
The suite serves as the primary engineering platform for SIMATIC S7-300, SIMATIC S7-400, SIMATIC S7-1200, and SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers, providing configuration editors, block management, and communication setup. It integrates with hardware configuration tools for PROFINET, PROFIBUS, and Industrial Ethernet networks, and interfaces with human-machine interfaces like SIMATIC HMI panels and supervisory systems such as WinCC and OSIsoft PI. The package supports diagnostics for modules from manufacturers including Phoenix Contact, Beckhoff, and WAGO.
Originally introduced by Siemens AG as part of the SIMATIC automation family, the product evolved from earlier ladder logic and relay-replacement tools used in the 1970s and 1980s. Major milestones include integration of graphical editors during the 1990s, support for object-oriented constructs in the 2000s, and consolidation into the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal in the 2010s. Over time, compatibility matrices expanded to include controllers, I/O modules, and communication modules originating from vendors such as ET200 product lines and collaborations with consortiums like the PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation.
The ecosystem comprises engineering stations, runtime targets, and network components. Key components include the hardware configuration editor, block and symbol tables, diagnostics views, and online monitoring tools. It uses standardized data blocks and organization blocks residing on controllers like S7-300 racks and S7-400 CPUs, and integrates with I/O systems such as ET 200SP and remote terminals from Siemens Digital Industries. Communication stacks support protocols including PROFINET IO, Modbus TCP, and OPC UA, enabling connectivity to systems like Rockwell ControlLogix and Schneider Modicon.
The environment supports IEC 61131-3 languages: Ladder Diagram (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Instruction List (IL) historically, and Continuous Function Chart (CFC). Later iterations added support for high-level constructs and integration with languages used in industrial computing such as C++ for custom libraries and Python for scripting via APIs. Tooling includes online/offline compilers, symbolic debuggers, trace utilities, and simulation tools compatible with virtualization platforms from VMware and Microsoft Hyper-V.
Engineers perform hardware configuration, module addressing, and network topology design within the suite, mapping modules to I/O addresses and setting communication parameters for controllers and HMI panels. Version management and team engineering features support collaborations akin to workflows used by GlobalFoundries and Siemens Energy project teams, while safety-related extensions align with standards referenced by TÜV and regulatory bodies such as IEC. Integration with asset management and lifecycle tools mirrors practices found at Bosch Rexroth and BASF plants.
The software is widely used in discrete manufacturing, process automation, infrastructure, and utilities. Typical applications include assembly line control in companies like BMW and Volkswagen, bottling and packaging automation at Nestlé and Coca-Cola, power plant control schemes in facilities operated by EDF and Siemens Energy, and water treatment systems managed by municipal authorities such as Thames Water and Veolia. Integration with MES and ERP systems enables data exchange with SAP and Oracle deployments.
Commercial distribution follows proprietary licensing managed by Siemens with options for maintenance and support contracts. Major version streams include the classic STEP 7 (for older S7-300/400) and the TIA Portal-integrated releases supporting S7-1200 and S7-1500 families, with notable releases like V5.x, V11, and V16. Industry organizations and training centers such as Siemens Technical Academy and IFA provide certification and curricula tied to specific version knowledge.
Category:Industrial automation software